CCP 04-29-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.'--"-C: '_'~' ~.'._'--C (Attachment to Land Use Application) . Variances Requested: Overall Height - · 1-1 limit is 35 feet, requested variance to 52 feet Front yard Setback - . Required front yard setback from Fernwood Avenue is 55 feet, requested variance to 21 feet Hardship Criteria: 1. The circumstances for the requested variances are fairly unique to this property and the City of Arden Hills. Guidant is in the process of developing a twenty year campus plan for it's 85 acre site and has been working with the City towards a Planned Unit Development (P.U.D.) that satisfies the common goals of both parties. The plans call for future abandonment of Fernwood Avenue, dedication of Guidant Drive North as a City right-of-way and development of sufficient building area to accommodate the projected job growth at Guidant over the next 20 years. The Training Facility is a key piece of the overall plan and carries a special urgency with regard to Guidant's ability to maintain a competitive position in the industry. 2. Guidant believes the Training facility is in keeping with the spirit of the City Zoning Ordinance. On it's most visible side (south) the facility is 2 stories, 36 feet in height, which is approximately 6 feet taller than existing Building F. As one moves around the facility to the west and north grade falls to match existing and the facility has three visible stories, approximately 52 feet ili height. The proposed use as a training facility in support of Guidant employees is consistent with allowable uses in an 1-1 district. . 3. The facility maybe designed to accommodate existing setback and height requirements under the 1-1 district, however, to do so would compromise the effectiveness of long term campus planning and growth. 4. The building concept for the Training Facility has been developed out of the ongoing long term planning for the Guidant campus. This effort has been joined cooperatively by the City and Guidant 5. Guidant believes that the approval of the Training Facility with the requested variances will dramatically enhance the essential character of the campus and surrounding neighborhood. The site development calls for creation of a landscaped arrival plaza to the south and courtyard to the north, as well as, increased green space around the facility. Currently, the area is primarily bituminous paving with minimal landscape area. The pallet of exterior materials will be brick masonry, glass and accents of architectural metal panel and will help to establish criteria for future buildings while unifying the existing campus. . Guidant Corporation Training Facility